This week’s Thursday night matchup sees the Los Angeles Rams (7-6, second in the NFC West) travel up north to take on the San Francisco 49ers (6-7, last place in the NFC West). The Rams are 6-2 over their last eight games and just took down the AFC powerhouse Buffalo Bills in week 14. Since getting star WRs Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua back from injury, they have been one of the best passing offenses in the NFL.
The San Francisco 49ers have seen their fair share of injuries this season. RBs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason are on the IR and Isaac Guerendo has a sprained foot. WR Brandon Aiyuk is also out for the season with a torn ACL. There have also been rumors of head coach Kyle Shanahan’s future with the organization.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams DFS Start ‘Ems
Here are a few of the players that we are leaning on heavily in this game. These players are in a good spot to put together a solid performance and have a favorable matchup.
San Francisco 49ers RB Isaac Guerendo (DraftKings – $6.4k; Fanduel – $12k)
Isaac Guerendo was able to get in a limited practice on Wednesday, which gives him a chance to play on Thursday night. The 49ers are down to their third-string running back, but Guerendo proved to be fantasy-viable last week with 78 yards and two touchdowns. He’s listed as questionable with a foot sprain, so keep an eye on the injury report before inserting him in your lineups. He is a solid start if he is active, as the Rams are giving up 141.0 yards per game on the ground.
Los Angeles Rams RB Kyren Williams (DraftKings – $7.3k; Fanduel – $14.5k)
The Rams will need Kyren Williams to be productive in order to beat San Francisco on Thursday night. The 49ers have the 3rd best pass defense in the NFL, only surrendering 182.6 yards per game. However, they are middle of the pack in terms of stopping the run. As one of the most productive RBs in the league, Williams provides a high enough ceiling to pay up for him.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams DFS Sit ‘Ems
On the flip side of things, here are a few of the players we are sitting in this one.
San Francisco 49ers WR Deebo Samuel (DraftKings – $5.7k; Fanduel – $9.5k)
Over his last four games, Deebo Samuel has not passed 22 yards receiving or 4 receptions. He also has not caught a touchdown pass since October 10th against the Seahawks. Brock Purdy is clearly targeting others in front of Samuel.
Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford (DraftKings – $6k; Fanduel – $12.5k)
As mentioned above, the San Francisco 49ers have one of the best pass defenses in the league. Even though Matthew Stafford has been great over his last seven games, it would be difficult to trust any QB against the 49ers. Add in the fact Nick Bosa is trending to play, it could be a long day at the office for Stafford.
Total Apex Lock of the Game
San Francisco 49ers WR Jauan Jennings (DraftKings – $6.2k; Fanduel – $10.5k)
Jauan Jennings has become Brock Purdy’s top wide receiver this season. With the injury to Brandon Aiyuk, Jennings has put up a career year. He leads the 49ers with 57 receptions and is second on the team behind George Kittle with 774 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Conclusion
Thursday night games can be tricky due to the short week, but this game has the makings of a good one. Both teams are fighting for a playoff spot and both have the potential to put up big numbers. Stacking Brock Purdy, Isaac Guerendo, and Jauan Jennings could be a path to cash this week.
